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Illinois Horsemen Threaten Boycott

25 November 2002

ILLINOIS – As reported by the Thoroughbred Times: "Illinois horsemen could boycott the 2003 season if $15-million from the horsemen's fund is not reinstated by either Governor George Ryan or by other means.

"Earlier this year, Ryan said the state would not reimburse horsemen the $15-million that racetracks take from the handle—money that would otherwise go to the horsemen. The $15-million represents about 17% of yearly earnings of horsemen.

"One possible solution would be to allow the state's three Thoroughbred and two Standardbred tracks to operate slot machines at their facilities. Illinois already permits riverboat gambling.

"…Until an alternative revenue source for the $15-million is found, horsemen would like the tracks to alter their earnings distribution formula for the 2003 season. Horsemen argue that if the state does not reimburse money tracks take from the handle, then the tracks should not be entitled to recapture that money in the first place…"

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